I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions with some hopefully helpful answers! If you have more questions or if you simply want to chat about what your photography requirements are, please call me on 07736936937 or drop me an email at traceyrussellphotography@yahoo.com

WHY DON'T YOU SHOOT IN A STUDIO?

Outdoor shoots are at the heart of my style however I also love shooting lifestyle images in your own home, using natural light and your own surroundings. Whether in your own home or garden, or in a local beauty spot, these types of shoots provide a fabulous backdrop to your photos. If the great Scottish weather isn't being kind to us I am happy to do the shoot in your own home as I believe that a family photoshoot should be about having fun and capturing the spirit of each and every client, and I believe that this is best done in familiar surroundings.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

This is my most asked question!! Firstly, we live in Scotland - it DOES rain (OFTEN!) Embracing the Scottish weather can allow us to create some fantastic photo opportunities that make each shoot unique. Don't worry if the sky isn't blue and it's overcast, these conditions can work better than full sun as bright light can make us squint and it creates unwanted shadows.

I will re-schedule if it's heavy rain and it looks set for the day, unless we can shoot indoors. However I do keep a close watch on local weather forecasts and I can usually tell 24 hours beforehand what the weather will be, so hopefully we can plan your shoot around the weather!

If we decide to do the shoot indoors instead you will still receive some fabulous images of your family in your own surroundings. Still not sure? Check out my portfolio for some examples of recent indoor shoots.

SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL THE SUMMER?

Not at all!! Autumn and Spring have amazing colours, and Winter skies can produce amazing light which makes for stunning portraits. Often we can have a whole park to ourselves too which is a bonus. Don't be put off booking your shoot outwith Summer months, they work all year round.

WILL MY PHOTOGRAPHS BE IN COLOUR OR BLACK & WHITE?

I shoot in colour but I produce a selection of both black & white and colour images for you. Each client and location is different, as is the feel of the photo session. Some shoots work better in colour and some are better in black and white, but I will ensure you have a variety of both wherever possible.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOGRAPHS?

I will have alll of your photographs edited within 2-3 weeks. These will be provided to you on either a USB or a disc, with rights to print.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR ME TO RECEIVE MY PHOTOGRAPHS?

No, I charge a one time flat rate for your photographs. No additional session fees or huge prices for portraits. The price includes your photoshoot and a disc or USB containing all of your images for you to share and print the photographs from anywhere and are yours to keep forever.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR AN OUTDOOR SESSION?

For children bring a drink and maybe a small snack, along with a favourite toy. Please make sure your little one has been fed and has a nap before the photo session for a more comfortable and positive experience.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR A FAMILY PHOTO SESSION

I thought I would inlude some tips on how to prepare your kids for a photo session with me, so hopefully this information will help you plan for a great session! There can be some anxieties around having family photos taken and my hope is to ease some of your worries.

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

You will probably be sensitive to all of the minor misbehaviours that are happening but honestly, I see right through that. There is absolutely nothing I haven't seen!! My job as your photographer isn't to make you look perfect or to make your children behave perfectly and sit up straight on a chair with a stiff smile! Noooooo!!! My job is to show you that your children are absolutely perfect just the way they are.

TELL YOUR CHILDREN WHAT WILL HAPPEN.

In the days leading up to your session tell your children that a friend is going to be taking your family photos. Tell them that we are going to go somewhere special and your friend might ask them to stand and sit in a few different ways, and that you expect them to be in the photos. You can even show them past family photos, even if you only have iPhone photos to show them. If they know that the experience will result in a series of fun photos of themselves they may be more excited.... most kids LOVE to see photos of themselves! Make sure your child is fed and rested... don't plan a trip to softplay just before your photo session!!

I will not try to make your child smile. If they do smile it is because they are happy. If they are not comfortable I will capture them exploring and being themselves and sneak in a couple of portraits along the way. My style is laid back and fun, and because of this lots of parents tell me that their kids actually said they had fun having their photographs taken.

DO YOU DO GIFT VOUCHERS?

Yes, gift vouchers are a wonderful present for anyone or any age. Please contact me for details.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR TO OUR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT?

This is another question that I'm asked all the time so I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of do's and don'ts to help you decide and to get the most out of your session.

WHAT WORKS

* Plain/solid colours. If you choose white break it up with a colour cardigan or scarf.

* Choose 1-3 colours for your group images, ones with similar tones that go well together. This will help to bring the group shots together.

* Co-ordinate, don't match!

* Timeless always works, especially for children. The simpler the better, less is often more.

* If you can, allow the children some input into planning their outfits as this will help me photograph their personality as well.

* Dress for the weather - this is Scotland!! Layer!!!

* Dress for the location, for instance if we plan the shoot in the woods jeans would be better than a short skirt and high heels.

* Ladies - think about your best asset and dress for that!!

PLEASE TRY TO AVOID

* Neon colours

* Clothes that stand out more than the person

* Big logos or patterns

If you need some help to chose your outfit let me know, I'm always happy to lend a hand.